VIDEO: Judy Murray opens ace new tennis courts in Arbroath

Sorry, we're having problems with our video player at the moment, but are working to fix it as soon as we can

Waiting for Video...

Published:14:29Thursday 10 March 2016

The mum of Scottish tennis champions Andy and Jamie Murray opened the new tennis courts at Arbroath Lawn Tennis Club.

Tennis coach Judy Murray officially opened the new facilities last night (Wednesday) and played a few rallies with budding tennis players.

Judy Murray coaching Jodie Pert on the court.

The Arbroath club ripped up its old three clay courts and replaced them with artificial surfaces and floodlights, costing around £200,000.

The club said in recent years it was becoming difficult to play on the existing courts’ playing surface, as it flooded and broke up during the winter months, which gave them a disadvantage over competing clubs who could train all year.

Judy was giving children and parents tips on how to improve their tennis skills on Wednesday night.

She said: “It is crucial to have somewhere in the community that is accessible and affordable if people are going to play regular tennis.

“What you have here is a wonderful sense of community spirit.

“You can do more than just play tennis on these kinds of artificial courts, you can do children’s activities and a lot of the background work, which is important.

“Getting people interested in playing tennis is good but it is retaining them that is the issue. You need to retain them.”

The new playing surface, which cost £40,000 and is made of synthetic grass, means the club can now train all year round.

Judy added she did not think there were more opportunities for youngsters to play tennis nowadays than when her sons were younger but the sport is more widely known these days.

Judy said it was important for parents/guardians to support youngsters who want to take up a sport as it is the families and adults who can make things happen.

She also drew the winner of a tennis racquet signed by her son Andy. The lucky winner was 16-year-old Fraser McEwan, who unfortunately wasn’t there, but his brother 13-year-old Murray McEwan accepted the raffle prize on his brother’s behalf.

Trending

Letham Grange Hotel closed

Letham man jailed for nighttime sex attack

Musical tribute to Hollywood icon who’s inspired so many dancers ...

Arbroath TaeKwon-Do high flyers

Video: Andy Murray press conference after leading GB to Davis Cup final